His researches are focused on the microbial ecology in marine and transitional ecosystems, with primary interests on: i) biodiversity, biogeochemical and ecological role of marine microbes (Bacteria and Archaea) in coastal and deep-sea ecosystems, in relation to the main physical, chemical and biological drivers; ii) development and application of molecular biology and metagenomic approaches to the study of microbial biodiversity, iii) ecology and evolution of bacteria of fecal origin (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp.) in aquatic ecosystems, including mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.

Participated to 12 oceanographic cruises in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean onboard Italian and European research vessels (Dallaporta, Urania, Universitatis, Minerva Uno, Aegaeo, Discovery, Pelagia, L’Europe, Jan Mayen). He has carried out field activities in several aquaculture sites in Italy, Greece, Spain and Israeli.